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Great Aunt Vina Creal
Henry and Amanda Creel/Creal were the parents of Vina Creal, my great aunt.
I invited you to read How The Life Story Of My Grandfather Henry Lovell Creal, Jr.
Vina was born in June 1892, according to the 1900 Census. She was seven years old and living with her parents and siblings in Noxubee County, Mississippi.
Between June 1900 and May 1910, Vina goes missing without a trace.
1900 Census Snippet
Critical Point
A Critical Point Regarding the Census: Was Vina truly her given name? The handwriting on the 1900 Census report is difficult to decipher.
Ancestry listed her name as Nina Creal. But after studying the handwriting, I concluded the “N” is a “V”. Bear in mind that the census reports are only as accurate as the person who records the data.
Consider the time, the 1800s and early 1900s. There were many errors made with names, ages, etc. recording the census during that time.
What Happened to My Great Aunt, Vina Creal
So, what became of Vina? Her family relocated to Bradley County, Arkansas, before 1910, her name wasn’t in the 1910 census with her family or in any census thereafter. Vina would have been around 17 years old at that time.
There is no living family member aware of her, and without the census, I would not know her name. So, my commitment is to find out what happened to Vina. Typically, women married before the age of 18 in Vina’s time. So did Vina.
- Relocate to Arkansas with her family?
- Marry and change her last name?
- Passed away?
1910 Census Snippet | Creal Family
Additionally, many people withheld information from census takers for a variety of reasons. But the Census Reports were the first tool I used to research my family history, and without these reports, my family history would be more of a mystery.
Did Vina marry and change her Last name?
Alternatively, did Vina remain in Mississippi or relocate to Arkansas? In the United States, it is customary for a woman to take on her husband’s surname. This tradition presents a significant obstacle for genealogists because it quickly leads to a brick wall.
I’d love for you to read “Taking My Husband’s Name | Is It Important In 2021” for more information on women adopting their husbands’ names. Vina Creal’s story will be continued with new discoveries.
Is the census useful in genealogical research?
The first United States Census took place in 1790, and the first recording of African Americans was made in 1870.
While researching my family history, I realized how crucial the census is for my genealogy research and that of other genealogists.
The Census has provided a wealth of data for my research documenting my family history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the census was not designed for genealogical research but for government interests. However, it is an excellent resource for learning about your ancestors and other family members.
I would not have known my great-aunt Vina Creal if not for the census. Every 10 years, we need to be sure to fill out a census form.
Do you believe the US Census is relevant for you and your family?
